Hearts have opened talks with Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay over a pre-contract agreement which could see the centre half link up with the Tynecastle outfit ahead of their expected Premiership return.
The 25-year-old is one of more than 15 players out of contract at Rugby Park at the end of the season and is free to discuss a move elsewhere.
Jambos boss Robbie Neilson is keen to bolster his back line with a new recruit to partner Craig Halkett, with Christophe Berra recently turning 36 and John Souttar still some way from a first team return after a long-term injury issue.
That could open the door for the Hearts boss to bring in Scotland international Findlay, who headed in against San Marino on his debut for the national side.
The former Celtic youth player flourished under Steve Clarke at club level, making 144 appearances for Killie across two loans and one permanent spell.
Dundee United were linked with a move for the central defender in the summer, while Oxford United were also rumoured to be considering a bid for the 25-year-old.
Hearts ' interest was first reported last month, however The Scottish Sun reports it has escalated with the player sitting down for initial negotiations in Gorgie.
The Jambos employed a similar tactic to recruit Halkett from Livingston in 2019, signing the player in January before he linked up with the side at the end of the campaign.
Neilson brought in four players in the winter window, signing up former Aberdeen, Celtic and Dundee United winger Gary Mackay-Steven, striker Armand Gnanduillet, winger Gervane Kastaneer and midfielder Aaron McEneff.
Hearts sit 12 points clear at the top of the Scottish Championship and face Queen of the South at Palmerston on Friday evening.
